Tape measure attachment device and method for measuring and cutting drywall

ABSTRACT

A tape measure attachment device selectively couplable to a tape measure for measuring and cutting a piece of material includes a securing portion shaped to receive a portion of a tape member of a tape measure. An extension member is coupled to the securing portion to form a joint and is disposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation to the securing portion. A tab is coupled to and disposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation to the extension member, the tab having an upper face defining at least one elongated aperture. A tool placement zone is defined by the outer face of the extension member and the upper face of the tab and terminates at the joint and is free of any obstructions so as to allow a tool to be removably placed in the tool placement zone and inserted into the aperture.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to measuring and cuttingdrywall, and, more particularly, relates to a tape measure attachmentdevice and method for simultaneously holding a tape measure and a toolwhile measuring and cutting drywall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that sheet materials, such as drywall, i.e.,plasterboard, Gyproc®, etc., is commonly used in the construction ofhouses, buildings, and the like. Measuring and cutting, i.e., scoring,the drywall can be a tedious and time-consuming task. The scoringprocess begins with a user measuring the length and width of the areawhere the drywall is to be placed using a measuring device, such as aruler or tape measure. Thereafter, the user provides reference marks onthe drywall corresponding to the dimensions of the measured area. Insome instances, a straight edge is placed on the drywall and lined up inaccordance with the reference marks.

A sheet rock knife, utility knife, etc., is used to cut along thestraight edge through a first layer of the drywall, preferably withoutcutting completely through the drywall. In some instances, the usersimultaneously holds a first end of the tape measure flush against apencil and/or utility knife in one hand, and a second end of the tapemeasure having the reel portion in the alternate hand, such that thetape measure extends across the drywall. The user then slides both handsdown the drywall so that the pencil and/or utility knife will score aline that is parallel to the edge of the drywall. This often leads toinaccurate results and is unsafe for the user wielding the utilityknife. The drywall is turned over and a portion of the drywall is bentat an approximate ninety degree angle. Such configuration allows theuser to cut through the backside of the drywall, along the bend, toremove the fractured portion of the drywall that is to be discarded bythe user.

Devices that improve upon the basic scoring of drywall are well-known.For example, at least one known device utilizes a utility knifepermanently coupled to a tape measure. Such configuration does not allowthe user to employ the tape measure independent of the utility knife.Another known device utilizes a utility knife that must be secured tothe tape measure through nuts, bolts, or other fastening mechanisms.Following use, the utility knife must be unfastened from the tapemeasure. Such configuration is time consuming and may result in the riskof a user losing the various components required for assembly.

An additional known device utilizes a cutter attached to an end of atape measure. Such configuration leaves the blade of the cutter exposed,which is hazardous for the user. As an added problem, the method oflocking the blade requires tedious maneuvering when the user desires toremove or change the blade. Yet another known device utilizes a T-shaperuler that is bulky and inconvenient to carry and manipulate during thescoring of the drywall.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art asdiscussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a tape measure attachment device and method formeasuring and cutting a piece of material, e.g., drywall, that overcomesthe hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devicesand methods of this general type and that is selectively couplable to atape member of a tape measure to allow a user to simultaneously hold thetape measure and a tool coupled thereto to measure and cut drywall.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, inaccordance with the invention, a tape measure attachment deviceselectively couplable to a tape measure for measuring and cutting apiece of material. The tape measure attachment device includes asecuring portion shaped to receive a portion of a tape member of a tapemeasure. The tape measure attachment device also includes an extensionmember coupled to the securing portion to form a joint. The extensionmember is disposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation to thesecuring portion and includes an outer face. A tab is coupled to anddisposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation to the extensionmember. The tab includes an upper face defining at least one elongatedaperture. A tool placement zone is defined by the outer face of theextension member and the upper face of the tab, the tool placement zoneterminating at the joint and free of any obstructions so as to allow atool to be removably placed in the tool placement zone and inserted intothe at least one elongated aperture.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes the securing portion of the tape measure attachmentdevice having a first securing member and a second securing memberhingedly coupled to the first securing member. The first securing memberincludes a male engagement member adapted to removably couple with acomplementary female engagement member disposed on the second securingmember.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the firstsecuring member and the second securing member together substantiallysurround the portion of the tape member.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the firstsecuring member and the second securing member define an opening havinga width substantially equal to a width of a tape member disposed withinthe opening.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes the tape measure attachment device further comprisinga first extended position along an attachment device translation pathincluding the tape measure attachment device disposed a distance awayfrom a tape measuring housing; and a second retracted position along theattachment device translation path including the tape measure attachmentdevice at least partially disposed within the tape measure housing.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the tab iscoupled to the extension member at a terminal end of the extensionmember.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, thesecuring portion includes a terminal end; and the extension member iscoupled to the securing portion at the terminal end of the securingportion.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, thesecuring portion includes a curvilinear body.

In accordance with an additional feature, the tape measure attachmentdevice is of an elastic material.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, in oneembodiment, a tang is designed as an improvement to a tape measurehaving a housing and a tape member operably configured to be selectivelyextendable from the housing. The improvement includes a tang coupled toa free end of the tape member. The tang includes an extension memberdisposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation to a longitudinaldirection of the tape member. A tab is coupled to and disposed at asubstantially perpendicular orientation to the extension member. The tabincludes an upper face defining at least one elongated aperture. A toolplacement zone is defined by an outer face of the extension member andthe upper face of the tab. The tool placement zone is free of anyobstructions so as to allow a tool to be removably placed in the toolplacement zone and inserted into the at least one elongated aperture.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, theimprovement includes the tang having a first extended position along atape member translation path including the tang disposed a distance awayfrom a tape measuring housing; and a second retracted position along thetape member translation path including the tang at least partiallydisposed within the tape measure housing.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, theextension member is flush against the tape measure housing when the tangis in the second retracted position.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, theextension member is coupled to a terminal end of the tape member.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the tabis coupled to the extension member at a terminal end of the extensionmember.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of measuring andcutting a piece of material using a tape measure attachment device isalso disclosed that includes providing a tape measure with a housing, atape member, and a tape measure attachment device coupled thereto. Thetape measure attachment device includes an extension member disposed ata substantially perpendicular orientation to the tape member and a tabcoupled to and disposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation tothe extension member. The tab includes an upper face defining at leastone elongated aperture. The method also includes extending the tapemember and the tape measure attachment device from the housing to placethe tab in an overlapping relationship with a piece of material. Themethod further includes inserting a tool, decoupled with the tapemeasure, through the at least one elongated aperture to contact thepiece of material. In addition, the method includes removing the toolfrom the at least one elongated aperture in a single, uninterruptedmotion.

In accordance with an additional feature, the method may also includeretracting the tape member and the tape measure attachment device afterremoving the tool to a retracted position with the tape member and thetape measure attachment device at least partially recessed within thehousing.

In accordance with a further feature, the method may also includeselectively coupling a securing portion of the tape measure attachmentdevice to the tape member of the tape measure such that a rear surfaceof the extension member is flush against a tang of the tape measure.

In accordance with yet a further feature, the method may also includeproviding the securing portion having a first securing member and asecond securing member; and coupling a male engagement member disposedon the first securing member to a complimentary female engagement memberdisposed on the second securing member such that the first securingmember and the second securing member together substantially surroundthe tape member.

In accordance with another further feature, the method may includealigning the tape measurement attachment device with a predeterminedreference point on a piece of material.

In accordance with an additional feature, the method may also includeplacing a tang within an elongated aperture defined by the tab such thata rear surface of the tang is flush against the extension member.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodiedin a tape measure attachment device and method for measuring and cuttinga piece of material, e.g., drywall, it is, nevertheless, not intended tobe limited to the details shown because various modifications andstructural changes may be made therein without departing from the spiritof the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of theclaims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments ofthe invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so asnot to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodimentsof the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of theinvention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandabledescription of the invention. While the specification concludes withclaims defining the features of the invention that are regarded asnovel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood froma consideration of the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one ormore than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as twoor more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term“providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g.,bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/orsupplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at onceor over a period of time.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document,the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a directioncorresponding to an elongated direction of a tape measure from an endthat makes contact with a tape measure reel toward a tang of the tapemeasure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape measure attachment device and atool, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right rear perspective view of the tape measure attachmentdevice of FIG. 1 depicting a securing portion, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevational front view of the tape measure attachmentdevice of FIG. 1 depicting a hinge coupling a first securing member to asecond securing member;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tape measure attachment device ofFIG. 1 coupled to a tape member and both in an extended position, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 a perspective view of the tape measure attachment device of FIG.1 showing the tape measure attachment device at least partially disposedwithin a tape measure housing, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a tapemeasure attachment device depicting a tab defining two elongatedapertures, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a tangand the tape member of the tape measure and both in an extendedposition, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tang of FIG. 7 at least partiallydisposed within the tape measure housing, in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram for illustrating a process of measuring andcutting a piece of material using the tape measure attachment device ofFIGS. 1 and 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood thatthe disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, whichcan be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a novel and efficient tape measureattachment device and method for measuring and cutting a piece ofmaterial, e.g., drywall. Embodiments of the invention provide the tapemeasure attachment device that is selectively couplable to a tapemeasure. As such, a user may utilize the tape measure alone or mayutilize the tape measure having the tape measure attachment devicecoupled thereto for measuring and cutting drywall. Embodiments of theinvention provide the tape measure attachment device defining a tabhaving an elongated aperture and a tool placement zone for receiving atool, such as a utility knife or writing utensil, therein.Advantageously, the user may measure and cut the drywall while holding ahousing of the tape measure in one hand and a free end of the tapemeasure and the tool in the other hand. The tool may be removed from theaperture in a single, uninterrupted, motion so as to provide theattachment device independent of nuts, bolts, or other fasteners, thatmay otherwise by used to secure the tool within the aperture.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention isshown in a perspective view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous featuresof the present invention, but, as will be described below, the inventioncan be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features andcomponents, and varying numbers and functions of the components. Thefirst example of a tape measure attachment device, i.e., attachmentdevice 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a securing portion 102. In oneembodiment, the securing portion 102 includes a first end 104 and asecond end 106 opposite to the first end 104. With also brief referenceto FIG. 4, the securing portion 102 is the portion of the attachmentdevice 100 that selectively couples to a tape measure 400. In otherembodiments, as described below, the securing portion 102 will be the“tang” that is typically used in standard tape measures. The attachmentdevice 100, more specifically, the securing portion 102, is configuredto substantially surround a tape member 402, i.e., flexible ruler, ofthe tape measure 400. The term substantially surround is defined hereinas at least partially encircling or encapsulating the tape member 402.

In one embodiment, the attachment device 100 is made of an elasticmaterial, e.g., rubber or a PVC-based polymer. As such, the attachmentdevice 100 may conform to the shape, i.e., it may be deformable, of thetape measure 400 and return back to its static-state shape after itschange in shape. In other embodiments, the attachment device 100 may bemade of another type of material, e.g., metal or a rigid plastic.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 4, in one embodiment, in order tocouple the securing portion 102 to the tape member 402, the securingportion 102 includes a curvilinear body portion 200 to conform to theshape of most standard tape measures having a slight curvature. In otherembodiments, the securing portion 102 may include a non-curvilinear bodyportion 200.

FIG. 2 depicts the securing portion 102 shaped to receive a portion ofthe tape member 402. More specifically, in one embodiment, the securingportion 102 defines a tape measure opening 202 spanning from the firstend 104 of the securing portion 102 to the second end 106 of thesecuring portion 102. The tape measure opening 202 is sized and shapedto receive a portion of the tape member 402 within the opening 202. Inone embodiment, the portion of the tape member 402 sized and shaped tofit within the opening may include the tang 404. In another embodiment,the portion of the tape member 402 includes the area within 1.0 to 2.0inches of the tang 404. In other embodiments, the portion of the tapemember 402 sized and shaped to fit within the opening 202 may be outsideof this range. Generally speaking, the tang 404 is the hook on an end ofthe tape member 402 for aiding in measuring.

In one embodiment, the opening 202 is created by translating a firstsecuring member 204 with respect to a second securing member 206, whichis hingedly coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the first and secondsecuring members 204, 206 may define the opening 202, i.e., a slit,sized and shaped to receive the portion of the tape member 402 therein.Said another way, a user may selectively close and open the securingportion 102 to secure the attachment device 100 to the tape member 402.Advantageously, such configuration allows a user to utilize the tapemeasure 400 with or without the attachment device 100 coupled thereto.With brief reference to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the first securingmember 204 and the second securing member 206 define the opening 202having a height 414 substantially equal to a thickness 416 of the tapemember 402 disposed within the opening 202. The term “substantiallyequal” is defined herein as +/− 1/16 of an inch. The height 414 of theopening 202, in combination with the elastic material, assists inallowing the attachment device 100 to conform to the shape of the tapemeasure 400 and return back to its static-state shape after its changein shape.

With brief reference now to FIG. 3, depicting an elevational front viewof the attachment device 100, a hinge 300 can be seen coupling the firstsecuring member 204 to the second securing member 206. The hinge 300 maybe a mechanical hinge, spring, coil, the material of the first andsecond securing members 204, 206, or another similar connectionmechanism for holding together two parts such that one part can moverelative to the other.

With reference again to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, in order to couplethe distal ends 214, 216 of the first and second securing members 204,206 to each other, the first securing member 204 includes a maleengagement member 208 adapted to removably couple with a complimentaryfemale engagement member 210 disposed on the second securing member 206.The male and female engagements members 208, 210 may together form asnap fastener. The male and female engagement members 208, 210 assist inmaintaining the securing portion 102 in a stationary position tofacilitate in preventing the attachment device 100 from sliding alongthe tape member 402 (FIG. 4). Such configuration is also beneficial inproviding accurate measurements. It should also be noted that while theupper securing member 204 is referred to herein as the “first securingmember,” the upper securing member 204 may also be considered the secondsecuring member.

In another embodiment, the first and second securing members 204, 206may be coupled to each other through a clip, a hook and loop typefastener, or another type of fastener. In other embodiments, thesecuring portion 102 and the opening 202 may include a single securingmember configured to couple to the tape member 402. For example, thesecuring portion 102 may include a pair of grooves on a bottom portionconfigured to slide over the tape member 402.

With reference back to FIG. 1, the attachment device 100 includes anextension member 108 coupled to the securing portion 102, morespecifically, the second end 106 of the securing portion 102, of to forma joint 110. The extension member 108 is disposed at a substantiallyperpendicular orientation to the second end 106 of the securing portion102. The term “substantially perpendicular” as used herein, is definedas 90° (+/−15°) of a referencing object or surface. In one embodiment,the second end 106 includes a terminal end 130. The extension member 108may be coupled to the securing portion 102 at the terminal end 130. Inother embodiments, the extension member 108 may be coupled within one totwo centimeters of the terminal end 130 or another location.

In a preferred embodiment, the extension member 108, more specifically,a rear surface 212 (FIG. 2) of the extension member 108, is configuredto be flush against the tang 404 (FIG. 4) in order to provide the userwith a more precise measurement when utilizing the attachment device 100to measure and cut a piece of material. Said another way, the distancebetween the extension member 108 and the tang 404 is void of any gaps soas to allow a precise alignment of the attachment device 100 with apredetermined reference point as measured by the user for placement ofthe piece of material. The “piece of material” is defined herein asdrywall, particle board, and the like, which includes a flat planarsurface. The extension member 108 includes an outer face 112, i.e.,outer surface, located opposite from the rear surface 212 (FIG. 2) ofthe extension member 108 that is flush against the tang 404 (FIG. 4).

In order to insert a tool 114 into the attachment device 100 in order toscore or measure the piece of material, the attachment device 100 has atab 116 coupled to and disposed at a substantially perpendicularorientation to the extension member 108. In one embodiment, the tab 116is coupled to the extension member 108 at a terminal end 118 of theextension member 108. In other embodiments, the tab 116 may be coupledto the extension member 108 within approximately one to two centimetersof the terminal end 118 or at another location. The tab 116 may be made,without limitation, of the same material as the rest of the device 100,but should be of a material durable enough to support the weight of thetool 114 when coupled to the device 100.

In one embodiment, the tab 116 includes an upper face 120, i.e., uppersurface, defining at least one elongated aperture 122 for receiving thetool 114 through the aperture 122. The aperture 122 is sized such that adistal end of the tool 114 fits securely within the aperture 122 withoutthe risk of falling out when being held by the user. The term“elongated” is defined herein as having a length 124 greater than thewidth 126. It is preferred however, that the elongated aperture be of alength 124 at least twice as long as the width 126. The length 124 andthe width 126 may vary according to the dimensions of the tool. In otherembodiments, the aperture 122 may include the length 124 that is lessthan twice as long as the width 126.

In a preferred embodiment, the tool 114 is a utility knife or a writingutensil. The term “tool” as used herein, is not meant to be limiting butrather is defined in its broadest sense and includes, but is not limitedto, a utility knife having a standard razor blade, a double-endedutility blade or a segmented blade, a pencil, or any other tool commonlyused for measuring and cutting drywall. In other embodiments, the tool114 may be another type of tool commonly used with constructionmaterials, and more particularly, tools utilized for measuring andcutting drywall.

In one embodiment, the tab 116 forms part of a tool placement zone 128.More specifically, in one embodiment, the tool placement zone 128 isdefined by the outer face 112 of the extension member 108 and the upperface 120 of the tab 116. In one embodiment, the tool placement zone 128terminates at the joint 110. In other embodiments, the tool placementzone 128 may extend beyond the location of the joint 110 but within oneto two inches of the joint 110, depending on the overall length of thetool 114.

FIG. 1 depicts the tool placement zone 128 free of any obstructions soas to allow the tool 114 to be removably placed in the tool placementzone 128 and inserted into the aperture 122. Said differently, the toolplacement zone 128 is a volume defined by the edges of the faces 112,120 of the extension member 108 and tab 116, and terminates based on theshape of the terminal end 130 of the securing portion 102.Advantageously, the user may utilize the tape measure as normallyintended and may also couple the attachment device 100 to the tapemeasure 400 when desired to measure and cut the drywall.

With reference now to FIG. 4, the attachment device 100 can be seen incombination with, i.e., as an improvement to, the tape measure 400having a housing 406 and the tape member 402 which extends from andretracts into the housing 406. The tape member 402 may be made of cloth,plastic, fiber glass, or metal as is generally known to those ofordinary skill the art. The tape member 402 includes an attachment endcoupled to a reel (not shown) disposed within the housing 406, as iscommonly found in a standard tape measure. The opposing end of the tapemember 402 includes a free end 408 that selectively extends from thehousing. The tang 404 can be seen coupled to the free end 408 of thetape member 402.

FIG. 4 depicts the tape measure 400 having a first extended positionalong an attachment device including the attachment device 100 disposeda distance 410 from the housing 406. The distance may vary, i.e.,increase and/or decrease, in accordance with the predetermined referencepoint measured by the user when measuring the dimensions for placementof the drywall. The distance 410 may also vary depending on an overalllength 412 of the securing portion 102 extending from the free end 408of the tape member 402 towards the housing 406 disposed the distance 410from the free end 408.

Advantageously, the attachment device 100 can remain coupled to the tapemeasure 400 during the measuring process, thereby reducing the risk ofthe user misplacing the attachment device 100. As an added advantage, inuse, the present attachment device 100 is generally more efficient andconvenient than known methods utilizing similar devices, as the userdoes not have to spend valuable time assembling multiple componentsprior to using and/or storing the attachment device 100.

With reference now to FIG. 5, the attachment device 100 is depictedhaving a retracted position, i.e., storage position, along theattachment device translation path. In one embodiment, the retractedposition includes the attachment device 100, more specifically, thesecuring portion 102, at least partially disposed within the housing 406through a housing aperture 500 defined by the housing 406. Said anotherway, approximately 40% to 60% of the securing portion 102 is disposedwithin the housing 406 in the retracted position. In another embodiment,the area of the securing portion 102 disposed within the housing 406 maybe outside of this range. In other embodiments, the securing portion 102may be completely disposed within the housing 406. In order tofacilitate in the body portion 200 being capable of at least partiallyreceding into the housing 406, the total thickness of the body portion200 is less than approximately ⅛″-¼″ in one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts the body portion 200 of the securing portion 102 beingcurvilinear to allow the body portion 200 to fit within the housingaperture 500. In other embodiments, the body portion 200 may be of anon-curvilinear shape that still allows the body portion 200 to fit atleast partially within the housing aperture 500. Advantageously, theattachment device 100 can remain coupled to the tape measure 400 duringstorage, thereby reducing the risk of the user misplacing the attachmentdevice 100. As an added advantage, the present method is generally moreefficient and convenient than known methods utilizing similar devices,as the user does not have to spend valuable time assembling multiplecomponents when converting the tape measurement attachment device fromthe extended position (FIG. 4) to the retracted position (FIG. 5).

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a tape measure attachmentdevice 600, i.e., attachment device 600, is depicted in a perspectiveview. FIG. 6 depicts a securing portion 602 coupled to an extensionmember 604. A tab 606 is coupled to the extension member 604 at asubstantially perpendicular angle with respect to the extension member604. Similar to the tab 116 of FIG. 1, the tab 606 defines an elongatedaperture 608 for receiving the tool 114 (FIG. 1) within the aperture.The tab 606 is depicted also defining another elongated aperture 610 forreceiving the tang 404 of the tape measure 400 (FIG. 4) therein.Advantageously, the aperture 610 is sized and shaped to receive the tang404 in a secure manner, such that the tang 404 remains in a stationaryposition. A rear surface (not shown) of the tang is adjacent an upperface 612, i.e., upper surface, of the extension member 604.Advantageously, in use, a terminal end of the tang 404 (FIG. 4) can bealigned with a terminal end of the tool 114 to provide the user with anaccurate device for measuring and cutting the piece of material. Morespecifically, the terminal end of the tang 404 and the terminal end ofthe tool 114 may be placed in an overlapping relationship with the pieceof material and aligned parallel to the predetermined reference pointfor scoring the drywall.

With reference now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of a tang 700 is shownas an improvement to a standard tape measure, such as the tape measure400 having the tape member 402 temporarily stored within the housing406. Said another way, the tape member 402 is operably configured to beselectively extendable from the housing 406. In one embodiment, the tang700 may be the securing portion, as briefly referenced above. The tang700 includes a distal end 702 and an extension member 704 disposed at asubstantially perpendicular orientation to a longitudinal direction ofthe tape member 402 as shown in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, the extensionmember 704 is coupled to a terminal end 706 of the tape member 402,wherein the terminal end 706 is disposed at the distal end 702 of thetape member 402. In other embodiments, the extension member 704 may becoupled within 1-2 cms of the terminal end 706 or another location.

In order to insert the tool 114 into the tang 700 to score the drywall,the tang 700 includes a tab 708 coupled to and disposed at thesubstantially perpendicular orientation to the extension member 704. Thetab 708 will be described generally, as the tab 708 includes analogousor nearly analogous features as the tab 116 describe above with respectto FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the tab 708 is coupled to the extensionmember 704 at a terminal end 710 of the extension member 704. In otherembodiments, the extension member 704 may be coupled within 1-2 cms ofthe terminal end 710 or another location.

In a preferred embodiment, the tab 708 is coupled to the tang 700 toform a single unit, providing an improvement to the tape measure 400.Advantageously, the single unit configuration eliminates the need forthe assembling of bolts, nuts, etc., as securing mechanisms to couplethe tab 708 to the extension member 704. As an added advantage, suchconfiguration eliminates the need for the user to search for suchsecuring mechanisms, within for example a tool box, prior to assembly.In other embodiments, the tab 708 may be selectively coupled to theextension member 704 as described above.

The tab 708 includes an upper face 712 defining at least one elongatedaperture 714. The term “elongated” is defined herein as having a length716 greater than the width 718. It is preferred however, that theaperture 714 be of a length 716 at least twice as long as the width 718.The length 716 and the width 718 may vary according to the dimensions ofthe tool. In other embodiments, the aperture 714 may include the length716 that is less than twice as long as the width 718. The aperture 714is sized such that a distal end of the tool 114 fits securely within theaperture 714 without the risk of falling out when being held by theuser.

FIG. 7 depicts the tang 700 having a tool placement zone 720. The toolplacement zone 720 will be described generally, as the tool placementzone 720 includes analogous or nearly analogous features as the toolplacement zone 128 described above with respect to FIG. 1. The toolplacement zone 720 may be defined by an outer face 722 of the extensionmember 704 and the upper face 712 of the tab 708. Said differently, thetool placement zone is a volume defined by the edges of the faces722,712 of the extension member 704 and the tab 708, and terminatesbased on the shape of the terminal end 706 of the tang 700. The toolplacement zone 720 is free of any obstructions so as to allow the tool114 to be removably placed in the tool placement zone 720 and insertedinto the aperture 714.

FIG. 7 depicts the tang 700 having a first extended position along thetape member 402 translation path. The extended position includes thetang 700 disposed a distance 724 away from the tape measuring housing406. The distance may vary, i.e., increase and/or decrease, inaccordance with the predetermined reference point measured by the userwhen measuring the dimensions for placement of the piece of material.

With reference now to FIG. 8, the tang 700 includes a second retractedposition along the tape member 402 translation path. The retractedposition, i.e., storage position, includes the tang 700 at leastpartially disposed within the tape measure housing 406. In the retractedposition, the extension member 704, more specifically a rear surface 800of the extension member 704, is flush against the tape measure housing406 in order to provide the user with a compact storage position.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 9, in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, and4, there is provided a method of measuring and cutting the piece ofmaterial. In one embodiment, the method includes, without limitation,utilizing a tape measure attachment device, such as the tape measureattachment device 100 having the securing portion 102, described herein.In other embodiments, the method includes utilizing a tang, e.g., thetang 700, as the securing portion 102. The steps delineated in theexemplary process-flow diagram of FIG. 9 are merely exemplary of thepreferred order of measuring and cutting the piece of material and saidsteps may be carried out in another order, with or without additionalsteps included therein.

In said process, the method begins at step 900 and proceeds to step 902,where a tape measure, a tape member, and a tape measure attachmentdevice, such as the tape measure 400, the tape member 402, and theattachment device 100 of FIG. 1, are provided, e.g., brought intophysical existence. The tape measurement attachment device 100preferably, but not necessarily, includes the securing portion 102, theextension member 108, the tab 116, and the tool placement zone 128, asdescribed above. In other embodiments, the securing portion 102 will bethe “tang” that is typically used in standard tape measures, oralternatively, the securing portion 102 is the tang 700.

The securing portion 102 may be selectively coupled to the tape member402, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4. More specifically, inorder to couple the securing portion 102 to the tape member 402, thesecuring portion 102 may define a tape measure opening 202 sized andshaped to receive a portion of the tape member 402 within the opening202, e.g., the portion of the tape member 402 adjacent to a tang 404 ofthe tape measure 400.

The securing portion 102 may, but does not necessary have to, include afirst securing member 204 and a second securing member 206. The presentmethod may include coupling a male engagement member 208 disposed on thefirst securing member 204 to a complimentary female engagement member210 disposed on the second securing member 206. In such configuration,the first and second securing members 204, 206 substantially surroundthe tape member 402 to secure the securing portion 102 in a relativelystationary or stationary position with respect to the tape member 402.

In one embodiment, in order to provide accurate measurements, it ispreferable, but not necessary, that the extension member 108 is flushagainst the tang 404. With brief reference to FIG. 6, in one embodiment,the tang 404 may be placed within the aperture 610 defined by the tab606, such that a rear surface of the tang 404 is flush against theextension member 108.

The process proceeds to step 904 where the tape member 402 and theattachment device 100 are extended from the housing 406 to place the tab116 in an overlapping relationship with the piece of material. Morespecifically, the tab 116 is aligned with a predetermined referencepoint on the piece of material, as measured by the user for placement ofthe piece of material. In such configuration, the tape measure 400 is anextended position including the tape member 402 disposed a distance 410from the housing 406. Naturally, the distance may vary, depending on thepredetermined reference point on the piece of material, as measured bythe user.

In step 906, a tool, such as the tool 114, is inserted through theaperture 122 to contact the piece of material. The tool 114 is decoupledwith the tape measure 400. Said differently, the tool 114 is a separateunit from the tape measure 400. Advantageously, the tape measure 400 canbe utilized as intended, without the tool 114 being permanently coupledthereto. As an added advantage, the tape measure 400 can be storedindependently of the tool 114. The term “tool” as used herein, is notmeant to be limiting but rather is defined in its broadest sense andincludes, but is not limited to, a utility knife having a standard razorblade, a double-ended utility blade or a segmented blade, a pencil, orany other tool commonly used for measuring and cutting the piece ofmaterial.

In use, the user may hold the housing 406 in one hand and the attachmentdevice 100 having the tool 114 in the alternate hand. The user may slideboth hands in a vertical direction along the piece of material to cutthe piece of material. The user may also choose to trace a verticalmeasurement line along the piece of material, prior to cutting thematerial. When cutting the piece of material, it is preferred that theuser only cut through only a portion of the material, as opposed tocompletely cutting through the material, as is commonly understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art. Once the material has been cut, theuser may turn over the piece of material and break apart, i.e., removethe portion that will be discarded by the user.

In step 908, the tool 114 is removed from the aperture 122 in a single,uninterrupted, motion. More specifically, the tool 114 may be easily andconveniently removed without the user having to remove any nuts, bolts,or other securing mechanisms that may otherwise be utilized to securethe tool 114 within the aperture 122.

Following removal of the tool 114 from the aperture 122, the tape member402 and the attachment device 100 may be transitioned to a retractedposition including the tape member 402 and the attachment device 100,more specifically, the securing portion 102, at least partially recessedwithin the housing 406. In embodiments having the tang 700 as thesecuring portion 102, at least a portion of the tang 700 may be recessedwithin the housing 406. Advantageously, the retracted position providesthe user with a convenient storage position. The process ends at step910.

A tape measure attachment device and method for measuring and cutting apiece of material has been disclosed that features a tape measureattachment device selectively couplable to a tape measure, e.g., astandard tape measure. The tape measure attachment device may define atool placement zone and may include a tab defining an elongated aperturefor receiving a tool, such as a utility knife or a pencil, therein.Advantageously, the user may couple and decouple the tool from the tapemeasure attachment device in single, uninterrupted motion due to theelimination of bolts, nuts, or other securing mechanisms otherwiseutilized to secure the tool to the tape measure attachment device. Otherfeatures of the invention have been disclosed, but are not limited tothe particular details disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tape measure attachment device selectivelycouplable to a tape measure for measuring and cutting a piece ofmaterial, the tape measure attachment device comprising: a securingportion shaped to receive a portion of a tape member of a tape measure;an extension member coupled to the securing portion to form a joint anddisposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation to the securingportion, the extension member having an outer face; a tab coupled to anddisposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation to the extensionmember, the tab having an upper face defining at least one elongatedaperture; a tool placement zone defined by the outer face of theextension member and the upper face of the tab, the tool placement zoneterminating at the joint and free of any obstructions so as to allow atool to be removably placed in the tool placement zone and inserted intothe at least one elongated aperture; a first extended position along anattachment device translation path including the tape measure attachmentdevice disposed a distance away from a tape measuring housing; and asecond retracted position along the attachment device translation pathincluding the tape measure attachment device at least partially disposedwithin the tape measure housing.
 2. The attachment device of claim 1,wherein the securing portion further comprises: a first securing memberand a second securing member hingedly coupled to the first securingmember, the first securing member having a male engagement memberadapted to removably couple with a complementary female engagementmember disposed on the second securing member.
 3. The attachment deviceof claim 2, wherein: the first securing member and the second securingmember together substantially surround the portion of the tape member.4. The attachment device of claim 2, wherein: the first securing memberand the second securing member define an opening having a widthsubstantially equal to a width of a tape member disposed within theopening.
 5. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein: the tab iscoupled to the extension member at a terminal end of the extensionmember.
 6. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein: the securingportion includes a terminal end; and the extension member is coupled tothe securing portion at the terminal end of the securing portion.
 7. Theattachment device of claim 1, wherein: the securing portion includes acurvilinear body.
 8. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein: the tapemeasure attachment device is of an elastic material.
 9. In combinationwith a tape measure having a housing and a tape member operablyconfigured to be selectively extendable from the housing, theimprovement comprising: a tang coupled to a free end of the tape memberand having: an extension member disposed at a substantiallyperpendicular orientation to a longitudinal direction of the tapemember; a tab coupled to and disposed at a substantially perpendicularorientation with respect to the extension member, the tab having anupper face defining at least one elongated aperture; and a toolplacement zone defined by an outer face of the extension member and theupper face of the tab, the tool placement zone free of any obstructionsso as to allow a tool to be removably placed in the tool placement zoneand inserted into the at least one elongated aperture.
 10. Theimprovement according to claim 9, wherein the tang further comprises: afirst extended position along a tape member translation path includingthe tang disposed a distance away from a tape measuring housing; and asecond retracted position along the tape member translation pathincluding the tang at least partially disposed within the tape measurehousing.
 11. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein: theextension member is flush against the tape measure housing when the tangis in the second retracted position.
 12. The improvement according toclaim 9, wherein: the extension member is coupled to a terminal end ofthe tape member.
 13. The improvement according to claim 9, wherein: thetab is coupled to the extension member at a terminal end of theextension member.
 14. A method of a measuring and cutting a piece ofmaterial using a tape measure attachment device, the method comprising:providing a tape measure with a housing, a tape member, and a tapemeasure attachment device coupled thereto, the tape measure attachmentdevice having an extension member disposed at a substantiallyperpendicular orientation to the tape member and a tab coupled to anddisposed at a substantially perpendicular orientation to the extensionmember, the tab having an upper face defining at least one elongatedaperture; extending the tape member and the tape measure attachmentdevice from the housing to place the tab in an overlapping relationshipwith a piece of material; inserting a tool, decoupled with the tapemeasure, through the at least one elongated aperture to contact thepiece of material; removing the tool from the at least one elongatedaperture in a single, uninterrupted motion; and retracting the tapemember and the tape measure attachment device after removing the tool toa retracted position with the tape member and the tape measureattachment device at least partially recessed within the housing. 15.The method according to claim 14, further comprising: selectivelycoupling a securing portion of the tape measure attachment device to thetape member of the tape measure such that a rear surface of theextension member is flush against a tang of the tape measure.
 16. Themethod according to claim 15, further comprising: providing the securingportion having a first securing member and a second securing member; andcoupling a male engagement member disposed on the first securing memberto a complimentary female engagement member disposed on the secondsecuring member such that the first securing member and the secondsecuring member together substantially surround the tape member.
 17. Themethod according to claim 14, further comprising: aligning the tapemeasurement attachment device with a predetermined reference point on apiece of material.
 18. The method according to claim 14, furthercomprising: placing a tang within an elongated aperture defined by thetab such that a rear surface of the tang is flush against the extensionmember.
 19. A tape measure attachment device selectively couplable to atape measure for measuring and cutting a piece of material, the tapemeasure attachment device comprising: a securing portion shaped toreceive a portion of a tape member of a tape measure; an extensionmember coupled to the securing portion to form a joint and disposed at asubstantially perpendicular orientation to the securing portion, theextension member having peripheral outer edges defining an outer face; atab coupled to and disposed at a substantially perpendicular orientationto the extension member, the tab having peripheral outer edges definingan upper face defining at least one elongated aperture; a tool placementzone defined by the peripheral outer edges and upper face of the tab andthe outer face and peripheral outer edges of the extension member, thetool placement zone terminating at the joint and free of anyobstructions so as to allow a tool to be removably placed in the toolplacement zone and inserted into the at least one elongated aperture.